Joel Embiid Is Heading For Beast Mode

Video

The video story has grown larger than life. Without video technology, the NBA world may have never known about Joel Embiid from Cameroon. The story as told by Grantland’s Jordan Ritter Conn on June 24, 2014 is instrumental in understanding the optimism welling up inside the hearts of all Philadelphia 76ers fans.  In his article, Conn shares the life of the young Cameroon, who came from the heart of soccer country to join the unfamiliar game of basketball.

It was a video tape of Nigerian center Hakeem Olajuwon that truly hooked Joel Embiid into basketball.  That tape transformed an American sport into a professional sport Jo Jo immediately envisioned himself playing.  It transformed the game of basketball into Embiid’s calling.  In actuality, it was a video compilation of 1990 NBA centers, featuring Hakeem Olajuwan, David Robinson and Patrick Ewing.  Joel’s coach, Guy Moudio, had received it from a friend. He had never instructed players to watch tape before, but Embiid was growing desperate for any piece of information he could find on his new sport.

“I want to be Olajuwon” – Joel Embiid

“Here Jo Jo, you might like this.” Moudio told his player while handing it to him.

The tape didn’t come with a synapse, training guide, or even a “how to” book. While Moudio was concerned about Embiid’s fundamentals, the coach actually didn’t mind his young big man’s affinity for playing outside. The tape of Olajuwon wasn’t intended to be a lesson. Embiid liked to watch basketball, so Moudio gave him a video. That was it.

"“I never force big guys to play in the post,” he says. “I want everyone to know how to play every position.”"

If Embiid was going to be a swing man, that was fine. Moudio just wanted him to be a swingman who knew to keep his elbow in on jump shots and his knees bent when handling the ball.

But after one night with the tape, Embiid didn’t want to be a swingman anymore.

“I want to be Olajuwon,” he told Moudio.

From then on, every day was built around reaching that goal. He’d mimic Olajuwon’s Dream Shake, finding that even if he couldn’t put the ball in the basket, he could still move with a fluidity and grace that approximated Olajuwon’s moves. He’d strap on a weight vest and stand near the basket while Moudio lofted ball after ball to the sky, jumping to catch each one at its apex. Sometimes, he’d cry from the pain. He’d learn a move from coaches one day, then put it to use in a game the next.

The story exemplifies why Joel Embiid is so much more than just a freak athlete who can play.   Much like the voice of Adelle to song composers- Joel Embiid can translate what his coach wants from him almost perfectly.

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